Lead Design Engineer

Placon-Corporation; Plymouth (MN); On-site; USD 105,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

401K with Company match

Profit Sharing

Job summary

Placon-Corporation in Plymouth, MN is seeking a Lead Design Engineer to oversee product and tooling designs. This position involves leading a team, collaborating across functions, and ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.

Ideal candidates should have a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field and at least 5 years of design experience. Key responsibilities also include managing project schedules and mentoring junior engineers in a collaborative environment.

Placon offers a competitive salary between $105,000 and $115,000, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in design engineering, focusing on tooling or product design.
• Proven leadership experience managing engineering teams.
• Strong proficiency in CAD design systems (both 2D and 3D).

Responsibilities

• Lead the design engineering team to ensure product quality and timely delivery.
• Translate customer needs into innovative product designs.
• Manage project schedules and ensure adherence to safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

CAD proficiency

Project Management

Communication skills

Product Development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Associate degree with 7+ years of relevant design experience

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Lead Design Engineer

We're looking for an experienced Lead Design Engineer who thrives on leading teams, driving innovation, and delivering high-quality product and tooling designs. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys guiding engineers, collaborating cross-functionally, and transforming customer needs into manufacturing solutions.

If you have strong CAD experience, a background in tooling or product design, and a passion for leadership and continuous improvement, this is a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Compensation

• Competitive salary based on experience - $105,000-$115,000
• Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, paid time off, 401K with Company match, Profit Sharing.

Work Schedule

• Full-time position-Onsite role based in Plymouth, MN. Monday-Friday; Day shift (typically 7am -4pm)
• Standard business hours with occasional flexibility required for project deadlines.
• Minimal travel (approximately 10%) to customers, vendors, or other company locations.

Why Placon – You'll Love It Here

• A hands-on leadership role where your expertise drives innovation
• Opportunities to lead, mentor, and develop engineering talent
• Collaborative, cross-functional environment focused on customer success
• Exposure to advanced product and tooling design technologies
• A culture centered on continuous improvement, safety, and quality
• Ability to make a direct impact on product development and manufacturing success

What You'll Do

• Lead and direct an on-site design engineering team, ensuring quality, accuracy, and timely project delivery
• Translate customer requirements into innovative product and tooling designs
• Utilize CAD software (2D & 3D) to develop complex geometries and solutions
• Manage project priorities, schedules, and workloads to meet customer expectations
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including operations, tooling, and account management
• Oversee tool development, modifications, and vendor performance
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using performance data and design standards
• Support product lifecycle activities including change management, material selection, and corrective actions
• Ensure adherence to safety, ISO, SQF, and GMP standards
• Coach, mentor, and develop team members to build a high-performing engineering team

What You Bring

• Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field 5+ years of experience or-
  • Associate degree 7+ years of relevant design experience in plastics or tooling
• Proven leadership experience managing or guiding engineering teams
• Strong proficiency in CAD (2D and 3D design systems)
• Experience in tooling design, product development, or plastics manufacturing
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Ability to interpret customer requirements and deliver innovative solutions
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Self-directed with the ability to manage multiple priorities

Work Environment

• Combination of office, manufacturing floor, and toolroom environments
• Regular interaction with production, tooling, and engineering teams
• Occasional lifting (up to 50 lbs.) and hands-on involvement with tooling

Ready to Apply?

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, we'd love to hear from you. Applying is quick and easy-just follow the instructions on this page.

Join Placon and help lead the design of innovative products and tooling solutions.

Placon employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug test, basic physical, background check, educational verification, and reference checks (as applicable).

Placon requires that employees have and maintain authorization to work in the country in which the role is based. In general, Placon does not sponsor candidates for non-immigrant visas or permanent residency unless based on business need.

Placon is committed to equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other protected characteristics.

This role requires the ability to work through differing perspectives and resolve conflict in a respectful and professional manner consistent with The Placon Way.